Page 34 of Found By You
“Hey mom.”
She ignorned me and turned to Sky. “You’re coming to McCrae’s birthday party in a bit, aren’t you?”
Sky grinned at her, then me. “I wouldn’t miss it. Thanks for inviting me.”
Chapter 16
Sky
I didn’t know what to expect when we went over to McCrae’s parents’ house, because the family told us to arrive when the party started and no earlier. I had no idea what any of that meant. As we pulled up and went through the gate to his parents’ house, I was shocked to see how many cars were there.
“Wow,” I said quietly.
“Oh gosh,” McCrae said, seeming annoyed.
“What’s wrong?”
Strings of golden lights hung from the tall pines surrounding the property.
McCrae grunted as he found a parking spot; he did not look happy. “My mom always overdoes things, and she’s made such a big deal about me turning thirty.”
I got out of the vehicle and took a moment to collect myself. I’d chosen to wear white pants and a red T-shirt. I’d taken care to make my hair nice, and I felt nervous for some stupid reason.
He smoothed his shirt, and I had to smile at him.
“What?” he asked quickly.
“Nothing,” I said. “You look good. Areyounervous?”
McCrae reached out his hand. “No.”
I stared out at his hand.
He pulled his back. “Sorry, I don’t know what I was thinking.”
My heart raced, but I felt confused. “I just don’t know if we should hold hands. It might look like we’re a couple and I don’t even know who I am.”
McCrae’s face had turned red. “You’re right. I’m sorry.” He let out a light laugh. “I guess Iamnervous.”
Compassion filled me. I put my hand out. “You know what, let’s walk in together.”
He winced. “No, let’s not hold hands.” He started walking to the house.
I walked with him but felt … weird.
Noah called out. “McCrae, wait a sec.”
We paused.
He grinned at us, then focused on McCrae. “I had to just open the gate so people could park around the side. Mom sure invited the whole town.”
McCrae grunted. “She did invite the whole town. It’s annoying.”
Noah laughed. “It’s Mom. Chill out. Just enjoy it.” He turned to look at me. “How are you doing, Sky?”
His question made me feel lighter, strangely. “I’m good. This is really fun.”
Music was coming out of the house. The bass vibrated through the floorboards of the wide wraparound porch, mixing with the sound of laughter and conversations.
